b'SAFETYFALL PROTECTION & WORKING FROM HEIGHTSBy Andy Sawan, Risk Services Specialist at SedgwickT heOccupationalSafetyand3.protected by guardrail systems, safety net systems, Health Administrations (OSHAs)or personal fall arrest systems. Fall Protection standard focuses1926.501(b)(10)Employees engaged in roofing primarily on the construction industry.activities on low-slope roofs with unprotected sides However, it pertains to all companiesand edges 6 feet or more above lower levels shall be regardless of their operation if theyprotected by use of a guardrail systems, safety net perform work at heights.Although the standard falls undersystems, or personal fall arrest systems. the Construction Industry, OSHA can use the Construction4.1926.501(b)(11)Steep roofs that are 6 feet or higher Fall Protection standard against any company if they identify a potential fall hazard.General Requirements for Fallfrom a lower level shall be protected from falling by Protection, 29 CFR 1926.501 and Training Requirementsguardrail systems with toeboards, safety net systems for Fall Protection, 29 CFR 1926.503 are almost alwaysor personal fall arrest systems. found on OSHAs Top Ten violations, year after year.It5.1926.501(b)(4)Holes- Each employee on walking/is essential to evaluate if your company falls under theseworkingsurfacesshallbeprotectedfromfalling standards. through holes (including skylights) more than 6 feet Since the Fall Protection standard includes a large numberabove lower levels, by personal fall arrest systems, of individual regulations, it is important to understand whatcovers, or guardrail systems erected around such the specific rules are that are commonly violated.Hereholes. Additionally, employees must be protected are the top 5 sub-sections OSHA is citing companies forfrom tripping hazards and employees below must be under General Requirements for Fall Protection. protected from falling objects from holes. 29CFR1926.501,GeneralRequirementsforFallThese five citations tell us that if your employees are Protection working at heights 6 feet or higher in the construction 1.1926.501(b)(13)States that anyone performingindustry, you must have some type of fall protection.Keep in mind that this is for Construction.If you are in the construction work at heights of 6 feet or more shall beGeneral Industry, the height is 4 feet, the Shipyard Industry protected from falls using approved guardrail systems,is 5 feet and the Longshoring Industry is 8 feet. safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems. 2.1926.501(b)(1)Employees working on platforms 6OSHA suggests three types of fall protection employers can use to protect workers.feet or higher with unprotected sides or edges shall be 36 www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer'